Slovakia

Slovakia, officially the Slovak Republic, is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is bordered by the Czech Republic and Poland to the north, Ukraine to the east, Hungary to the south, and Austria to the west. Its capital and largest city is Bratislava, located in the southwest near the border with Austria and Hungary. The northern part of the country is framed by the Carpathian mountain range, including the High Tatras, while the Danube River forms much of the southern boundary with Hungary.

Slovakia has a population of about 5.4 million. The official language is Slovak. The population is predominantly Roman Catholic, with other Christian communities and a sizable portion of non-religious residents. The country uses the euro as its currency and is a member of the European Union and NATO.

Historically, the territory was part of the Kingdom of Hungary and later became part of Czechoslovakia after World War I. It gained independence on January 1, 1993, following the Velvet Divorce, the peaceful split of Czechoslovakia. Slovakia is a parliamentary republic where voters elect representatives to a unicameral National Council; the president is the head of state and the prime minister is the head of government. The eight regions form the primary administrative divisions.

Economically, Slovakia has a diversified economy with a strong manufacturing sector, particularly automotive production. The country is home to several car plants and a growing information technology sector. Major cities include Bratislava and Košice, while castles, spas, and mountains contribute to tourism. Notable cultural heritage includes folk traditions and historical architecture such as Spiš Castle.